All-new for the latest model year, the Hyundai Ioniq is an efficient, family-friendly hatchback aimed right at the Toyota Prius. It stands out as the first regular-production model in the industry offered as a hybrid (detailed here), a plug-in hybrid, and an EV.

Overview
The Ioniq's shape is openly inspired by its Japanese rival. That means its two-box profile is characterized by a roof line that peaks right above the front passengers and gently slopes down into a large, upright hatch. The front end is all Hyundai, and it falls in line with the company's current design language by adopting styling cues such as a wide hexagonal grille with thin horizontal slats and sharp headlights.

The cabin features an elegant, understated design; Hyundai didn't want the Ioniq to scream "hey look, I'm a hybrid!" To that end, passengers are treated to a familiar layout with a large, high-resolution touch screen on the dashboard, HVAC controls on the center console, a three-spoke steering wheel, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

Under the Hood
Power is provided by a gasoline-electric drivetrain built around a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It delivers 104 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 109 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The electric part comes from a compact motor that brings 43 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. It's fed by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

Combined, the two power sources send 139 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base Blue trim returns 57 mpg in the city, 59 mpg on the highway, and 58 mpg in a combined cycle. The top two trims are both rated at 55, 54, and 55, respectively.

Standard and Optional Features
The Ioniq Hybrid is offered in three trim levels named Blue, SEL, and Limited, respectively.

The optional Ultimate package brings a long list of tech features to the Limited trim. These include smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) technology, rear parking sensors, a wireless phone charger, and an integrated memory system (IMS) for the driver's seat.

Occupant Safety
Every Ioniq regardless of trim level comes with advanced airbags for the front passengers, front side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. The list of standard features also includes a rear-view camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, a traction control system, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management.

At an extra cost, buyers can add driving aids like forward collision warning, smart cruise control, and a lane departure warning system to the top two trim levels.

Key Competitors
The Hyundai Ioniq's arch rival is the Toyota Prius. Other options include the Ford C-Max Hybrid, as well as larger and more refined models like the Honda Accord Hybrid.

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